Hypertension or high blood pressure is defined as when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. According to Joint National Committee 8 (JNC 8) Guidelines, hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure level of more than ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. This study aims to study the combined effects of Pilates breathing, Diaphragmatic breathing and Moderate Intensity Continuous Cycling Training on blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function and quality of life. Aerobic physical activity moderate intensity continuous training: (55%- 70% of maximal heart rate (MHR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 11-13 on the Borg scale) continuous training, known as MICT. Pilates breathing exercise enhances lung expansion by focusing on controlled rhythmic breathing methods involving respiratory muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise is slow and controlled deep breathing that has important effects on respiratory system by the modulation of autonomic nervous system. Hypertensive patients will be selected for this study. The study will include three groups. One group will undergo Cycling training with Pilates breathing and the other group will undergo Cycling training with Diaphragmatic breathing and third group will undergo Cycling training only. Before initiating the intervention at the baseline, following outcome measures would be assessed for all the patients: Blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function and quality of life.
Medically diagnosed patients having Stage 1 hypertension(SBP;140-159 mmHg,DBP:90-99mmHg) and Stage 2 -hypertension(SBP:≥160mmHg,DBP:≥100mmHg) according to JNC 8 Guidelines, referred by a medical specialist or GP or cardiologist from FFH or clinical setups or Hospitals of Rawalpindi/Islambad
Patients who are on antihypertensive medications for at least 3 months before study.
Age ranging from 20-55 years
Both male and female patients.
Patients with Stage 3 hypertension (SBP: ≥180 mmHg or DBP: ≥110 mmHg) and above hypertension according to JNC 8 Guidelines or Hypertensive Crisis etc.
Patients with any severe knee or other orthopedic conditions that can limit exercise performance
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension
History of any abdominal, orthopedic or spinal surgery that could interfere with core or breathing exercise
Parallel
Cycling Training (Moderate-intensity continuous training)
Other interventionModerate-intensity continuous cycling training performed at 60-79% of maximum heart rate for 20-35 minutes, three sessions per week for six weeks.
Pilates Breathing
Other interventionControlled lateral breathing technique focusing on rib cage expansion and core activation performed for 10-15 minutes. A 06 weeks protocol will be followed.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Other interventionSlow deep breathing emphasizing diaphragmatic movement performed for 10-15 minutes. A 06 weeks protocol will be followed.
Blood Pressure (SBP and DBP)
Evaluation will be performed using a sphygmomanometer to measure Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP). Measurements will be recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) under standardized conditions after at least 5 minutes of seated rest. Two readings will be taken, and the average value will be used for analysis
Chest Expansion
Evaluation will be performed by measuring chest expansion at the xiphoid level using a measuring tape. Chest circumference will be recorded in centimeters (cm) at maximum inspiration and maximum expiration, and chest expansion will be calculated as the difference between these two measurements. Higher values indicate greater chest wall mobility and improved respiratory function, whereas lower values indicate restricted chest expansion.
Pulmonary Function Test
Evaluation will be performed using a spirometer device according to standard guidelines. The parameters assessed will include Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and FEV₁/FVC ratio. Values will be recorded in liters (L) and as percentage of predicted values (%) based on age, sex, height, and ethnicity. Higher values of FEV₁ and FVC indicate better pulmonary function, while a higher FEV₁/FVC ratio indicates reduced airway obstruction and improved respiratory status.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
